Frequently asked questions.

Our services

How long can you play for? Answer...

We generally don't play for more than three hours at a time (three 50 minute sets with ten minute breaks) but we are willing to accommodate longer engagements if given sufficient notice. hide...

 

What will you wear? Answer...

Our standard dress code is all black unless you tell us otherwise. Please ask if you want something specific. hide...

 

How loud will the music be and will it sound just like a Quartet? Answer...

We try out best to adjust to the situation. We have played in some very large venues without any difficulty but we may not be suitable for some large or very loud parties please contact us for more information. The texture of a String Duo is slightly different to that of a Quartet of a Trio but not in a detrimental way, we think it is more of an intimate sound than that of a quartet as you can hear the individual parts easier. Sarah is also very accomplished in arranging our music so that it sounds as full and accurate as possible. hide...

 

Can you advise me on what music may be suitable for my event? Answer...

Yes, we have a lot of experience playing for all sorts of functions and can give you some advice on what works best. Just get in contact! hide...

 

Can you arrange any piece of music? Answer...

Most popular pieces are no problem, however, larger complex orchestral scores can sometimes pose a difficulty but we will certainly give it a go. Sarah is a very experienced and talented arranger and is used to reducing large scores down to just two parts. For best results give us plenty of time for the arrangement. hide...

 

Can you play outside? Answer...

We can play outside if it isn't raining/damp or too windy. However, we will require shelter of some form regardless of the weather conditions to protect ourselves and our instruments from the sun. hide...

 

Can you provide a String Quartet/Trio? Answer...

Yes, we have colleagues who we play with regularly. Please contact us for more details. hide...

General

How much do you charge? Answer...

For most of our engagements we charge between £340 and £500 but every event is different so we will give you a quote tailored to what you have asked for. hide...

 

Can you come to a rehearsal? Answer...

A rehearsal is not generally needed if you provide an accurate schedule of the event as we are used to fitting around you. If you do require a rehearsal please send us the time and date and we will try and accommodate you, however, this will incur an extra fee. hide...

Do I need to provide anything for you? Answer...

Just two armless chairs, adequate lighting and an obstacle free area of no less than 1.5 metres by 2 metres of even ground. hide...

 

How often and for how long do you need to take breaks and will you need refreshments? Answer...

We generally schedule a fifteen minute break every hour of our playing but we can work around you. Some water or other non-alcoholic drink is very much appreciated. For longer engagements a light meal to coincide with one of our breaks would again be very much appreciated. hide...

 

Do you have public liability insurance? Answer...

Yes, we are both members of the ISM and are therefor covered for up to 10m each. hide...

Booking, payment and travel

How do I make a booking? Answer...

Give us an email with your dates and as much information about the event as you can and we will check we are free. We should be able to give you a quote straight away once we have finalised playing times and repertoire. We will then send you a contract for you to sign and return and once we receive your signed contract you will have secured the date. Changes to timings are okay if given plenty of notice, so if you are not sure what time we will be needed you can still book us in and finalise it later. hide...

 

How do I make a payment? Answer...

We accept cash or cheque on the day of the event or bank transfer three days beforehand. hide...

 

How much are your travel costs? Answer...

We will generally give you a quote that includes our travel costs. If you would prefer us to give you a quote for our services and then invoice you for our travel costs separately we would be happy to do so. hide...

 

How far are you willing to travel? Answer...

We are willing accept engagements worldwide. However please bear in mind that events significantly outside of the Brighton, Lincolnshire and London areas may incur extra expenses for travel/overnight accommodation. hide...